What's happened
On December 17, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a government licence to transfer £2.5 billion frozen from Roman Abramovich's 2022 Chelsea FC sale to a new foundation aiding Ukraine. Abramovich has 90 days to comply or face court action. The funds remain frozen amid disputes over their use, with the UK insisting on humanitarian aid exclusively for Ukraine.
What's behind the headline?
UK Government's Firm Stance
The UK government’s issuance of a licence to transfer the frozen £2.5 billion signals a decisive move to enforce Abramovich’s 2022 commitment. This action underscores the UK’s broader strategy to hold Russian oligarchs financially accountable for the war in Ukraine.
Legal and Political Implications
Abramovich’s refusal to release funds exclusively for Ukraine’s humanitarian needs, preferring a broader remit including Russian victims, has stalled progress. The government’s readiness to pursue court action within 90 days reflects mounting frustration and a zero-tolerance approach to delays.
Broader Geopolitical Context
This move aligns with European efforts to leverage frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s recovery and defense. The UK’s insistence on strict conditions for fund use highlights tensions between sanction enforcement and diplomatic negotiations, especially as peace talks progress.
Potential Outcomes
If Abramovich complies, the funds will aid Ukraine’s vulnerable populations, reinforcing international solidarity. Failure to comply will likely trigger protracted legal battles, delaying aid and complicating UK-Russia relations further. The government’s firm deadline aims to expedite resolution.
Impact on Readers
While the direct financial dealings may seem remote, the story reflects ongoing global efforts to respond to the Ukraine conflict. The outcome will influence humanitarian aid flows and set precedents for sanction enforcement against oligarchs linked to geopolitical conflicts.
What the papers say
The Guardian's Jessica Elgot reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the issuance of a licence to transfer the £2.5 billion frozen funds to a new foundation for Ukraine, warning Abramovich of impending court action if he fails to comply. Elgot highlights the deadlock over whether the funds should be used exclusively in Ukraine or more broadly, noting the government's patience is wearing thin.
Sky News emphasizes Starmer's direct message: "The clock is ticking, honour the commitment that you made, and pay up now," underscoring the government's readiness to take legal steps. The report also notes Abramovich's silence and the government's refusal to specify the legal basis for court action.
Reuters and Al Jazeera provide context on the sanctions and the broader European push to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit. Al Jazeera quotes Finance Minister Rachel Reeves calling it "unacceptable" that the funds remain frozen and details the 90-day window for Abramovich to act.
The Independent adds that Abramovich has linked the fund transfer to the dropping of a legal case against him in Jersey, complicating negotiations. It also quotes government officials expressing frustration over the delay.
Together, these sources paint a picture of a UK government determined to enforce sanctions and ensure the funds aid Ukraine, facing resistance from Abramovich, whose broader vision for the funds conflicts with UK priorities.
How we got here
Roman Abramovich sold Chelsea FC in 2022 after UK sanctions linked to his ties with Vladimir Putin following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The £2.5 billion proceeds were frozen in a UK bank account pending agreement on their use. Abramovich pledged to aid all war victims but UK authorities demand the funds support only Ukrainian humanitarian causes.
Go deeper
- Why is Roman Abramovich refusing to release the funds?
- How will the UK government enforce the court action?
- What impact will this have on humanitarian aid in Ukraine?
Common question
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What is the UK doing with Abramovich's sale proceeds?
The UK government has taken significant steps to ensure that funds from Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea FC are used to support Ukraine. Following sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has issued a license to transfer approximately £32.5 billion from the sale, with strict conditions. But what does this mean for Abramovich, Ukraine, and international law? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial move and its wider implications.
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Stay updated with the latest global and domestic political shifts, security concerns, and international conflicts. From high-stakes foreign policy decisions to major protests and legal battles, these stories reveal how world leaders and institutions are shaping the future. Curious about what’s happening now? Here are the key questions and answers about today’s top power moves.
More on these topics
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Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich is an Russian-Israeli billionaire businessman and politician.
Abramovich is the primary owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC, and is best known outside Russia as the owner of Chelsea F.C., a Premier League foo
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Chelsea Football Club are an English professional football club based in Fulham, London. Founded in 1905, the club competes in the Premier League, the top division of English football.